Ourso College Marks First-Generation College Celebration

Monica Aguilera
MBA '23, MPA '24

"Being a first-generation student is incredibly meaningful to me. It represents both a personal milestone and a broader responsibility to pave the way for others in my family and community. Each step I take—from my current studies to my ultimate goal of law school—carries the weight of representing and honoring my family's sacrifices to help me reach this point. For me, it's about proving these aspirations are possible and creating a legacy of education, resilience, and empowerment that others can follow."

After earning her Master of Public Administration in December, Aguilera plans to continue working in the LSU Pinkie Gordon Lane Graduate School while preparing for the LSAT and applying for the fall 2025 law school cycle. Monica also holds a BS Accounting and BS Business Administration from LSU Alexandria. 

Cameron Beaugh
BS Management '25 (human resource management concentration) 

"First-gen students often bring resilience, diverse perspectives, and a strong motivation to succeed, representing not just personal ambition but also the hopes of their families and communities. It is a journey of both individual growth and breaking new ground for future generations."

Following graduation, Beaugh plans to obtain her MBA, while specializing in employee relations and recruiting in the oil and gas industry.

Juliana Berry
BS General Business '25 (digital marketing concentration)

"To be a first-generation student is such a blessing. My family is so proud of me for coming so far. I've made the dean's list five out of six semesters, and plan to make it seven out of eight by the time I'm finished with my undergrad journey. LSU has given me hope, opportunities, knowledge, and so many amazing friends. I am so honored to live purple and gold."

When asked about post-graduation plans, Berry shared that she is currently developing an app to assist with parking on campus. After completing this project, she has plans for two more apps and a bakery while working in the marketing field. 

Bellah Bultron
BS Management '25 (human resource management concentration)

"Being a first-gen student is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. While it can be a challenge to overcome the obstacles faced with going into college (especially without the advice from an experienced family member), there is no better feeling than knowing you alone managed to get you where you are! Every mistake, success, and learning opportunity is fully your own. You also learn there are more people than you realize on your side who are helping you succeed. Geaux first-gen!"

Following graduation in May, Bultron plans to work full-time as an HR professional. 

Krystal Citty
MPA '26

"Being a first-generation college student can be tough because you don't have anyone to help navigate the system. I'm the eldest child, so I didn't have anyone to ask questions when I needed help deciding on classes. I couldn't ask my peers because many people from my school entered the workforce after high school. I initially enrolled in 17 units in my first semester because I didn't understand what a full schedule looked like. I wasn't sure how to fill out the FASFA; I didn't know what a Pell Grant was, and I didn't know how difficult my first semester would be. These were things I just had to figure out on my own. Luckily, the college I attended as an undergraduate had great guidance counselors, and if it weren't for them, I may have dropped out. It took me 12 years to finish my bachelor's degree because of all the bumps in the road, withdrawing from classes because I had to work full-time instead of going to school full-time. I was accepted and transferred to UC Santa Cruz, only to drop out because I couldn't afford to attend (even after receiving the maximum financial aid). My journey took me back to community college and finally into a smaller state school where I could commute from my mother's home. Graduating with an undergraduate degree and being accepted into a master's program has always been a goal of mine and something my parents were not able to do. I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. Having a good support system made all the difference in my journey, and although most were not able to advise me about college, they were always there for me when I needed them." 

Following graduation, Citty plans to continue working in HR. In the future, she may transition to public policy or managing public programs.

Zahra FalahAsl
MS Analytics '24, Graduate Certificate in Analytics '24

"Being a first-generation student is a lot like driving on a road that you are making for yourself."

FalahAsl is currently searching for jobs and considering earning a doctorate.

Amy Nava
BS Marketing '25 (digital marketing concentration)

"I have struggled with the idea of what it means to be a first-generation student as I come up on my graduation date. A year ago, I would have said that I do what I do to make my family proud because they were never afforded the opportunity that I have at LSU. That is still true, but I have realized that I have an internal passion to succeed. I know that I am destined for great things. This is what keeps me going and gets me out of bed. Now, I can combine these two ideas and know that they worked hard to get me where I am and that I have the ambition to go a hundred times further."

Following graduation, Nava plans to move to Austin, Texas to pursue a career in creative direction. Whether working for a marketing firm or art gallery, she plans to prioritize her need for art and creativity and feels that Austin is the perfect place to surround herself with "like-minded optimistic young ambitious people."

Jordan Newman
BS Marketing '24 (professional sales concentration)

"Being a first-generation college graduate means ensuring a better, brighter future for myself and my family. It means working harder than those around you to overcome financial and situational circumstances to get from where you are now to where you want to be in the future. It's foregoing the luxuries afforded to other students participating in campus life in exchange for working to graduate college debt-free. It's long days, sleepless nights, and lots (and lots) of tears and frustration that turn into determination, perseverance, and drive for success. Being a first-gen student is not taking for granted the sacrifices that were made for me to go to college, and those sacrifices made me the first-generation graduate I am today."

Newman will graduate in December and is searching for full-time opportunities in the marketing and sales field. Her post-graduation plans also include getting married in 2025.

Melissa Munoz Sanchez
BS International Trade & Finance '25

"Being a first-gen student and immigrant is not easy whatsoever, but the challenges I've faced have only made me stronger. I am thankful to have the chance to further my education and chase opportunities that others can only hope for. I will forever be grateful for the support of my family and the sacrifices they made to get me to this point."

Sanchez is exploring the many career opportunities for international trade & finance graduates to find the best fit for her skills. She is excited about what the future brings.